Notes to Shakespeare — Volume 01: Comedies by Samuel Johnson
page 49 of 292 (16%)
page 49 of 292 (16%)
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It may be observed, that in the tracts of that time _anchor_ and
_author_ could hardly be distinguished. (see 1765, II,464,7) I.iii.110 (213,6) [I will possess him with yellowness] _Yellowness_ is jealousy. (1773) I.iii.III (213,7) [for the revolt of mine is dangerous] I suppose we may read, _the revolt_ of men. Sir T. Hammer reads, _this_ revolt of _mine_. Either may serve, for of the present text I can find no meaning. I.iv.9 (213,8) [at the latter end of a sea-coal fire] That is, when my master is in bed. II.i.5 (219,1) [though love use reason for his precisian, he admits him not for his counsellor] Of this word I do not see any meaning that is very apposite to the present intention. Perhaps Falstaff said, _Though love use reason as his_ physician, _he admits him not for his counsellor_. This will be plain sense. Ask not the _reason_ of my love; the business of _reason_ is not to assist love, but to _cure_ it. There may however be this meaning in the present reading. _Though love_, when he would submit to regulation, may _use reason as his precisian_, or director in nice cases, yet when he is only eager to attain his end, he takes not reason for _his counsellor_. (1773) II.i.27 (220,2) [I was then frugal of my mirth] By breaking this speech into exclamations, the text may stand; but I once thought it must be read, If _I was_ not _then frugal of my mirth_. |
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